Year in Review: Top news headlines of 2013

CaptionNelson Mandela dies at age 95

Former South African President Nelson Mandela, also known as a freedom fighter, prisoner, moral compass and South Africa's symbol of the struggle against racial oppression, died on Dec. 12. Despite rare public appearances, he held a special place in the consciousness of the nation and the world...

Former South African President Nelson Mandela, also known as a freedom fighter, prisoner, moral compass and South Africa's symbol of the struggle against racial oppression, died on Dec. 12. Despite rare public appearances, he held a special place in the consciousness of the nation and the world...

On Dec. 1, a commuter train derailed in the Bronx borough of New York City. Four of more than a hundred passengers were killed and another 63 were injured. Early investigations found that the train had gone into the curve where it derailed at almost three times the posted speed limit. Later,...

On Dec. 1, a commuter train derailed in the Bronx borough of New York City. Four of more than a hundred passengers were killed and another 63 were injured. Early investigations found that the train had gone into the curve where it derailed at almost three times the posted speed limit. Later,... (Shannon Stapleton/Reuters)

A landmark deal between Iran and world powers to curb Tehran's nuclear program in return for some sanctions relief was reached on Nov. 24. The accord struck between the Islamic Republic and the United States, France, Germany, China, Russia and Britain is seen as a first step towards resolving a...

A landmark deal between Iran and world powers to curb Tehran's nuclear program in return for some sanctions relief was reached on Nov. 24. The accord struck between the Islamic Republic and the United States, France, Germany, China, Russia and Britain is seen as a first step towards resolving a...

Following the controversy surrounding Toronto Mayor Rob Ford's admission to smoking crack cocaine and buying illegal drugs, the Toronto City Council voted on November 15 to remove certain mayoral powers from Ford and grant them to Deputy Mayor Norm Kelly for the remainder of Ford's term....

Following the controversy surrounding Toronto Mayor Rob Ford's admission to smoking crack cocaine and buying illegal drugs, the Toronto City Council voted on November 15 to remove certain mayoral powers from Ford and grant them to Deputy Mayor Norm Kelly for the remainder of Ford's term.... (Mark Blinch/Reuters)

Typhoon Haiyan, which made its first landfall on Nov. 7, is the second-deadliest Philippine typhoon on record, killing at least 3,976 and leaving more than one thousand people missing. The Philippines is facing up to an enormous rebuilding task in the aftermath of the storm, with many isolated...

Typhoon Haiyan, which made its first landfall on Nov. 7, is the second-deadliest Philippine typhoon on record, killing at least 3,976 and leaving more than one thousand people missing. The Philippines is facing up to an enormous rebuilding task in the aftermath of the storm, with many isolated... (Wolfgang Rattay/Reuters)